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Having a foster child in your home is a huge, life-changing event for them and you. If we put ourselves in the child’s shoes for a minute, it must be frightening to move away from everything they know into a home with foster parents they know very little about.
Because of this, when welcoming a new foster child, foster carers need to do everything possible to make their foster children feel safe, comfortable and at home. They can do this by creating a welcoming environment in your home.
If you’re a new foster carer and you want to know how to create a welcoming environment in your home, follow the tips below:
1. Redecorate Their Bedroom
Perhaps one of the best ways to make a new foster child feel welcome in your home is to decorate their bedroom in a design they choose. The great news is that if you have a neutral colour scheme on the walls, you don’t have to re-wallpaper or repaint the whole room. Instead, you simply need to purchase some accessories for the room, such as new bedding or cushions.
2. Hang Up Photos of Your Foster Child
Another great tip to help your foster child feel welcome in your home is to hang up some photos of them. Sit down with your foster child and allow them to choose some of their favourite photos to put up. If they do not have any photos, ask them if they would like you to take some for them.
3. Cook Their Favourite Meals
One of the best things about fostering in Oxfordshire or other areas of the UK is that foster carers are given an information folder about their foster child before they arrive. This information folder includes information about the child’s history and any health conditions they may have, as well as information about their favourite meals, favourite toys, etc.
While this might not sound important, foster carers can use this information to make their child feel welcome in their home. For example, they can ensure they have the ingredients to cook their foster child’s favourite meals.
4. Allow Them to Make Decisions
Many children in foster care feel like they aren’t listened to. To try and prevent your foster child from feeling like this, it’s essential to allow them to make decisions within your home. This could be as simple as deciding what to have for tea or where to go at the weekend—knowing that they have a voice and are listened to can help them feel welcome in your home.
Welcoming a foster child into your home can be both exciting and daunting. After all, you are welcoming a child into your home that you know very little about. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not the only one who feels scared about the prospect of fostering. Your foster child will also be feeling anxious. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to make your foster child feel more relaxed and welcome in your home, including the things we’ve listed above.
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